Is This Really The BEST Beginner Motorcycle? Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 - A Beginner's Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
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Is This Really The BEST Beginner Motorcycle? Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 - A Beginner's Review
The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 is extremely popular, and highly recommended as a beginner motorcycle. Today, as a beginner rider, I'm going to put that claim to the test and see what it's all about. I've only been riding for about one month, so who better for the job? Tag along as I roll the motorcycle through the paces and share my thoughts and impressions regarding the handling, comfort, performance, style, and overall thoughts about the motorcycle. Thanks for watching! Like & Subscribe if you enjoy the content!
#kawasakivulcans #vulcans #vulcan650s #beginnermotorcycles
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Hey Jackie, Nobodies first bike is their dream bike. As it should be comfort and confidence are the key to learning the skills needed. I thank you for taking us along on this journey of you learning to ride. I am cheering you on and hoping you stay safe. Have fun and keep up the good work.
Very true!! Gotta work your way up to your dream bike. I feel like at this point I wouldn't even know what my dream bike is because I'm still getting a feel for all the different types. Thanks for the support!! Ride safe!
Love this review! My wife, being a first time rider canvassing for a bike found this review, she sat on this bike, and now next week we are picking it up thank you!
I'm considering this bike also, how does your wife like it so far?
I learned on a 2016 Vulcan S 650. Great bike, highly recommend it!
Amazing bike!! Thanks for watching!
Just came back into riding after 5ish years. Chose the Vulcan S over the Ninja 650 and Z 650. Started out on the Ninja 250 like so many. The Vulcan S is an amazing bike. Easy to handle, easy to customize, a decent forum following for help, very forgiving clutch and throttle system, and still able to keep up with many different styles of bikes. Kawi hit a sweet spot with this. I'm looking forward to modding out the bike and making it my own. She's everything I could have asked for.
as someone saving up to buy there first bike this was awesome to hear about!
Thanks for watching!!! And good luck on getting your first bike! 🙌🏾
You go girl! Lot's of love from a Jamaican biker here!
Thank you!!! I appreciate the support!!
As a newbie (and I mean NEEEEEWBIE), this made me a lot more comfortable with getting a Vulcan S. Now I'm stoked on it!
It is a PERFECT beginner bike!! Good luck, have fun, and be safe!
So how does it feel? Im also thinking of getting this bike as my first bike, but after seating on it and feel the weight, i felt intimidated i started to think can i turn this? can i stop this from falling when i stop on a stop sign or passing pedestrian?
@@Zennof854 it weighs just under 500lbs. I'm a small guy. 5'5 130 lbs. I currently have a Honda rebel 250 which is probably the best if not most popular beginners bike I love it but have quickly out grown it. The good thing is if you aren't very big. You can purchase a used rebel for about 1500$ and sell for around same price granted you don't beat it up or put a ton of miles. Motorcycle safety courses usually use them to train and I'd recommend a course near you. That being said I've been looking at the Vulcan s and I'm in love. I have just over a year experience on rebel and this is a perfect step up. A lot of people do get this as a first bike and either keep it forever or later regret getting rid of it. Either way it's a learned skill so practice is key. If you feel it really is too heavy start small. Safety course is usually around 300$ in most states so I would start there to see if the smaller bike is too small or it's something you would use for a lil while to gain confidence. Happy riding and always be safe.
@@nicholascorbett4622 thx you nicholas, but i still wanna get it as my first bike. I know im being stubborn but i wanna learn with it, get use to the weight and familiarizing it. And ill be taking a motorcycle lesson soon
@@Zennof854 I definitely wasn't selling you on something smaller. I think it's a great bike. I'm getting same myself. I got my rebel by pure chance so the Vulcan will be my first actual bike. A very wise decision.
You go girl I saw you get into 3rd gear! Your doing great. Continue taking your time. Ride safe and stay encouraged. God bless
Thank you!! I appreciate the encouragement!
Very versatile bike. User friendly for starters and lots of fun for more experienced riders. Éxito!
Yes! Very versatile!! It's cool to see how both Jon and I can have a blast on it doing completely different things!
I just started riding last year. Bought one new off the floor 0 miles. I wanted a new bike to grow with. Without inheriting someone elses issues.
Absolutly love the bike. Dont regret it at all.
Love that!! It is an awesome bike and you can definitely grow with it. Ride safe!!
You’re doing great riding that beautiful bike. Since you and Jon promoted the Vulcan S I’m all in and I will buy my own as soon as I have got my license. Take care all of you and ride safe.
Thank you!! That's awesome! I think you will really enjoy it!
Your convidance really took a boost on that scoot. Your body language was way more relaxed. Tell Jon your keeping it till ya get more comfortable. Then conquer your Triumph.
Thank you!! I do feel so comfortable on that one! I hope we hold onto it for a while. I will definitely be practicing on it!
Thank you. I am subscribing in an attempt to get my wife to ride. So I really love getting your perspective.
Thanks for the support!! Ride safe! We need more female riders!
Hey Jackie, I am 5, 6 tall and I have a Vulcan s to, Highly recommend you to go with Reduced Reach Ergo-fit, You will feel the difference, footpegs adjusted closer to body, Ergo fit reduce feet seat, and handlebar to, trust me, you will not regret. I love my vulcan. Cheers
I'll have to try this out!! Thank you for the tip and ride safe!
You're welcome.🙂✌
I bought this bike new June 1st 2019 after 35 years off a bike. I’m turning 55 yrs old. I am 6’4” and football player BIG. This bike they customized for me with their “Ergo Fit” program. Of the 3 seat choices I got the one that puts my rear end far back. Then a long shifter rod and my forward shifting controls were moved way forward. The handlebars on the bike were correct. There are 2 choices I understand. They claim the bike can be set up for 5’4” to 6’2” like I said I’m a couple of inches over their max height. I’m very long legged but pretty normal height body. I’m very comfortable and the bike shifts so smooth. I’m a down shifter. Many people are not and they hold the clutch in and multiple clicks down to first and coast to a stop. I guess my many years of driving a semi truck has me run through the gears going up and coming down as I am approaching a stop. The Vulcan is available in some pretty great colors. Looks so good in quite a few of them. Black always looks great but then they have a flat green, a bright orange, I bought the retro looking “Storm Cloud blue”. I just love the bike I may keep it forever. Yes a great starter bike but decent enough to be my forever bike too.
I'm a 43 year old beginner... Complete beginner. I rode my bicycle well into my teen years and rode a dirt bike a few times 20 years ago. I bought a brand new Vulcan S and am riding on my private dirt road to get used to the clutch and throttle. I'm having a hard time with the throttle! It is touchy! I find myself accelerating when I do not want to. I also tend to spin the rear wheel at launch.
If you don't know the exact specifications of a bike, take a look at the European website. The EU has tight regulations defining what dry and wet weight is and what the max horsepower is.
I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle for a while now, I think this will be my first bike.
Great choice!!! Still one of the easiest bikes to ride as a beginner in my opinion!
3rd gear!? I'm having so much fun watching you learn to ride. My bike is under a tarp and three inches of snow so I'm living my motorcycle fantasys through this channel. Msf asap though, dead ass.
Haha right!? 3rd gear! I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel! Hope you get to ride again soon! I will definitely be taking a course in the future and I'll drag Jon along, too!
My first bike was my dream bike. Ninja 650. I still have it, I still love it.
You'll never forget your first love.
Keep the shiny side up and be safe out there!
I still remember mine, too!! It was a triumph Bonneville. We had it several years ago before I was serious about riding. I'll have to do a video about it sometime!
@@JackiesMotoGarage Please do a video about it! The Bonneville T100 is my newest bike and I love it, look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Building that confidence.
Seat time does wonders!!
Nice review! I admire your honesty.
The Vulcan S is the most confidence inspiring beginner-intermediate bike I’ve ever ridden i had two motorcycles prior to the vulcan but learned way more on the vulcan s
Yes!! It is perfect for building confidence! I have been loving it.
Hey!!! I'm Nick C
The Vulcan S was a weird bike to me. I special ordered it in from New Jersey without even a test ride, because something about it just spoke to me. Turned out to be a fantastic decision. It's slow and reliable when you need it, and can still absolutely rip through twisties, I honestly think it's the best of all worlds. Simple, forgiving, and has all the power you need on the road, plus the ergofit system + adjustable levers really puts it a step up over any close competition. I'm 6'3", and the fact that I can configure it to be comfortable for a 5'7" rider and then reconfigure it to be comfy for me is mind blowing. It even comes ABS. My only complaint is the small accessory load limit of 25W with the alternator, but most people won't encounter that unless you run heated grips.
Thank you for your video! I'm also a novice female rider and looking to purchase this bike. I have a Ninja 400 and love it. You helped me with my decision to buy one!!
Digging around for a good learning bike for my style, and this was really helpful!
Totally understand! Glad this could help. Ride safe!!
Jackie you do look much more relaxed and in control on the Kaw. I wouldn't even consider it a beginner bike. Years ago ( ok I'm old Haha) a big bike was a 750cc. Beginner bikes were 150cc /250cc. That Kawasaki is an intermediate and you are rocking it. Good job enjoy watching your progress.
Thank you so much!! It's amazing what seat time will do! Ride safe!
Thank you for the video! I just got my license and am test driving one soon. This video really helped!
Definitely one we wouldn't have considered as a possible good beginner bike. Thank you both for enlightening us! 💡🤯.....😀
👨👩👧 ❤ -David, Elizabeth, and little Jessica
I never would have thought it was either until Jon convinced me to give it a try!! Thanks for checking out my video!
Jackie you just can't go wrong with that bike it's a great first bike and its very forgiving and it's great in corners and going fast ! Great low end torque .
It amazes me every time how forgiving it is! Its It's absolutely perfect for me to practice on. Love it!
You're doing great. I can tell your confidence level is higher just by your speeds. Keep up the great work. No more skate board chasing you.lol
Glad you can see progress!! Soon I'll be going WAY too fast for Jon to catch me on that dang skateboard haha.
I had this bike for a few month after a 20+ yr. break from riding to get back into it and ist was the best decision i ever made. I own and ride a 1.000cc Kawasaki Versys (and lovin´ it like crazy) now but the vulcan will always have a place in my heart :o)
This is mine and my wife's first bike. I've logged 3500 plus on it shes done about 20ish miles, plus lot of parking lot slow stuff. Both passed msf togeather through riding academy. She likes it but is still weary on confidence.
It's a great bike!! As you can see from the video, I think it's awesome and perfect for a beginner. I hope she can build her confidence!! Ride safe!
My wife and I did the same thing Gut-Z-Guy. Took and passed MSF class together and then got both bikes together. She got the Pearl Lava Orange and I went with the Stormcloud Blue.
Great video with direct talk about your feelings, impressions and experiences. I'm really thinking of purchasing a Vulcan -S here in Michigan. Dealer has a tremendous deal on an ABS version for $5,600. I rode years ago in Calif, before the daughters and move to Michigan. Last bike was a 1982 Honda Goldwing Interstate. Sold it in 1985 so I could purchase a boat. So... kids are gone, I'm retired and looking for something to rekindle those long lost feelings. Thanks again for your video!!
I went to the dealer this past weekend to get new tires put on my Hayabusa. While waiting I did sit on one of these and I’ll say it felt very comfortable great seating position and was not overwhelmingly big or anything. I mean it really felt like a great first bike.
Thinking about trading in the Hayabusa for a Vulcan S? 😉 Kidding of course! They are extremely comfortable!!
Jackie's Moto Garage oh nooo! Lol you is funny! No but I did like the Vulcan S.
Ditch the drc and continue on this one ☝🏻.
You’re improving for sure 👍
Thank you!!! This is definitely my "go-to" bike for now!
I want that bike! And not just the Vulcan S, but one in red.
I totally agree that the Vulcan S is a perfect beginner bike as it is also my first bike ever. Never thought I'd be a moto vlogger myself, but tada!!! All because I wanted to record my progress from day one of my riding experience.😅
⚠️RIDE SAFE⚠️ 😎🤙
Perfect little neighborhood to learn in
For real! It has been great! Thanks for watching!
What I liked about the Vulcan S, (V-S),i s the grip size, Jackie. Awesome size for handling in turns, You won't find that on the Vulcan 900, or the Yamaha Bolt, but you will find it on the Viragos and most smaller Hondas, like the Rebels... Comparing my Bolt,... stock build,; ( tech to tech: speed range is dang close to the V-S , except for the gear ratio....107 mph at rev-limit..... and the Bolt pulls 59.3 ft-lbs at 3,000 straight thru to 5780 rpm, over 5 gears, the V-S needs 6 shift ranges. The Torque curve is different on the V-S 650 Ninja ..... peaks around 5,350 through to the 7950 rpm limiter range, according to a local electrician i know that owns one.) Long story short. The electrician said to me that " Once the V-S is up near 5,500 rpm's , then it goes like snot, acceleration-wise. The Bolt does that from a ,measely 3,000 rpm in any gear.
Bolt is 547 lb's wet..... similar to the HD 883 you rode, but with a 38 degree lean both sides..... no peg drags ....:)
Am still waiting for Jon to get you on a Yamaha Bolt to test ride, you will love it...... seriously !
Stay safe and Ride on !
W
Muy buen video Jackie, saludos desde Chile.
Thank you!! Ride safe!!
look at you go girl. I see your getting even better at this. Jon look out she is going to out wheelie you soon.
Yay! Thank you!!!
Just see ur vid I got one today it shows up at night. Now I’m stooookd
This Vulcan S, looks good on you. If I'm correct, I think that they have a Cafe model of this Vulcan S. I've seen one before unless it was modified to look that way. I really like that bike. I am on a Vulcan 900 custom so getting a Vulcan S is not far fetched for me but it would be a kind of downgrade for me. Although I am a very short gentleman, I probably be more comfortable on the Vulcan S. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
I'll have to do some research to see if I can find one like that!! That would be the best of both worlds. Thank you for the support and ride safe!
Indeed there is a Vulcan S Cafe.
Excellent!!...great video...I've been considering the Vulcan S as a second bike...seems like the perfect cruiser with some modern convenience and a little bit of sport bike DNA...🏍
Thank you!! It is an awesome bike!! Absolutely love it. Ride safe!
Good clip im from Australia and your neighborhood looks nice..
It’s a very nice looking bike and it’s not to small. I think you would be fine for years.
Definitely a lot of room to grow on this bike! It's a fun one!
Awesome proud of u for ride out of where u Usually ride
Thank you!!! I'm enjoying trying the bikes that Jon brings home. I would never know what I like unless I tried different ones. Appreciate the support!
Jackie's Moto Garage no prob and yep same here love the bikes he brings home
This is a great looking bike. The only negative as far as ascetics is that the rear wheel looks a bit small and narrow. As far as cruisers go.
The Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S has a STYLE and UNIQUENESS of it's own.
¡Hola Jackie! Very nice video 👏🏼👏🏼 I'm dreaming of becoming a beginner rider with the Vulcan S this year. Thanks for the tour and comments....🤔 Have you tried Honda Rebel 500 already? Any face to face video coming next 🧐? Saludos desde ALC, España 😎👍
If you want to try mid reach controls the linkages aren’t that expensive at your Kawasaki dealer. Easy to install. Mid reach might fit you a bit better. Each of the 2 steps bring them about an inch closer. The mid and reduced reach seat are where the cost is.
I am curious to see how that would feel! Thanks for the tip!
If you undo the linkage you can just move the peg back. You won’t be able to ride without the new linkage but you could kind of get the idea. My wife is 5’10 and she finds the extended reach a bit stretched out, but she has short legs fo4 her height.
Still look cooler on the Thruxton ! But I'm biased 👍
The Thruxton is still my favorite!!
Seems like the best option for you at the time but I know he doesn't keep bikes long
We have a pretty fast turn around for bikes. I'll miss riding this one after it's gone!
Is it just me or is Jackie's intro better than Jon's 😂
Hahah shh don't tell Jon!
Probably because you don't have to hit the "skip 10 seconds" button 3 or 4 times 😂
This was my first bike, loved it but sold it 2 years later and bought a Ninja 650, just because I wanted to try something totally different. Now I want it again, and might get one. Ninja 650 is faster, more practical, lighter and more useful in cold weather. But somehow I just had more fun with Vulcan S, hard to explain. It has a thing.
It was such a fun bike and definitely great for me as a beginner. Jon had a blast on it as well. He took that thing all over them place!! Thanks for watching and ride safe!
You look good on that bike. Tell him to keep it for you. Plus he wheelies it that is bada**
Thank you!! I definitely think we'll be keeping it for awhile. I swear Jon can wheelie anything!...or at least he will TRY to wheelie anything.
Great video! I personally feel the Honda Cbr500r is probably the best sport bike to start with. What do you think? I just made a video about it. Tell me what you think 👍👍
Thanks for checking it out!! I will have to see if I can check out one of those bikes! I'll make sure to hope on over to your channel as well!
I am all about the forward controls... planning on extending mine
They are dang comfortable!!
@@JackiesMotoGarage That's what you want in a cruiser!
If that bike is comfortable for you then it's a great beginner bike for you. But I don't think you should get to attached to it though, Jon won't have it that long! Ride safe.
I'll be sad to see it go!! Jon can't hold onto any of them very long. I'll get lots of practice on it in the meantime!
That’s the bike I’m thinking of after getting my learners license. My biggest fear is riding it back home from the showroom 😬
It is a great bike!! Still one of the best ones I rode while learning. Yeah that would freak me out too!!
Thanks for watching!
Hi, great review. I have a question though. My Wife is only 4.11'' so when you say it is adjustable for shorter people, can it accommodate someone my Wife's height? I know she would need mid-controls, but her issue will be touching the ground (even with tippy toeing it.)
I'm 5'4" and can flat-foot it. The Vulcan S's pegs are adjustable but they won't reach a position that can be considered "mid" controls.
I'd recommend taking a trip to the dealer, and also looking at the Honda CMX300 or CMX500 Rebel - it too is great for shorter riders, has mid controls, and is very forgiving.
@@_Meriwether Thanks for the info.
She could also consider height increasing riding boots. The Daytona Lady Star is an example.
Looks like you’ve set your Ergo fit settings at ‘Mid Reach’ ? For someone who’s 5’5”, ‘Low Reach’ is the best setting.
I'll have to look into that! Thank you!
I agree with Sathish.IMHO It looks (to me) like you are too stretched out i,e you need the ergo seat that moves you forward, and the ergo footpegs on the back position. Once that was done, then you sould tell if the handlebars (the reach) needed changing.But, an excellent video and thank you for sharing- it brought back memories of when I started in 1967 on a BSA C15 250cc.- ie. sort of scary at first, but fun and after a while, you build up confidence and become more experienced, and that stays with you. Just in case your'e wondering, yes this old timer is still riding- currently a Kawasaki z1000sx, with a rack on the back- for my zimmer or walking frame :)
@@MajorHazzard Yep. a reduced-reach Seat for sure .... Jackie was leaning too much forward to do long rides on that bike
Let’s go for a ride. THIS IS A KAWASAKI VULCAN..
This bike looks good but it looks much better with Jackie on it.
That’s what makes the Dyna the Dyna. Lol. You are going to die right here lol. Quote of the day!
Hahah it was a beast!! Thanks for the support!
That kawasaki is your friend right now, comfort is more important
It's my best friend. I'll be sad to see it go once Jon gets rid of it. But for now, I'm going to practice with it!!
Hey Jackie! Thanks for your perspective. Tell Jon I'd like to see a one on one with a Yamaha Bolt. These are the two bikes I'm considering at the moment, although I've seen a couple Triumphs I really liked too. They were used, at a good price, so if I found one like that when I'm ready I may have to check it out. Oh and tell him this is your bike! He can get one too if he wants one! And as far as the Vulcan S goes, the only thing I really don't like is that it's butt ugly. Sorry, but if everything else is right, you can get over the ugly.
P.S. I was one of your first subscribers. Is there a prize for that? Lol
AZ Dyna Diva FTW
Hahah Thank you!!
hey im looking for my first motorcycle and was looking into a Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Is this to big?
I think that is a great choice!! That bike was amazing to ride. Gave me a lot more confidence. Ride safe and good luck!
Be careful Jackie! You have a minivan stalking you! 😂
🤣🤣🤣
Wonder your opinion on RE Himalayan bike
Those things look AWESOME! I'd love to try one out eventually! Thanks for the support!
So which do you like better the Vulcan S or the Street Rod 750?
I think I'm sold on the Vulcan S. I just really enjoy it!!
if you are talking about a true beginner, then 650 is too big.
Probably depends on the person! I did initially start on the grom, but grew out of that pretty fast! Thanks for checking out the video! Ride safe!
Can't really agree Ed, the power on this is super smooth and not at all dangerous to a new rider. This has to be the best all-around starter motorcycle on the market today, and I don't say that lightly.
The best bike for you is whatever is comfortable enough for you to learn on. Being terrified of dropping, going too fast, or anything else is no help. Styling is over rated!
Amen!! Goes to show that there is so much more to a bike than style!! Ride safe!
Did i just find a female you tuber for bike videos??? YESSSSSSSSS
Thank you for being here!!! 😁
So would u say it's good for a skinny short dude such as my self as his very first (never been on one before) bike ?
I would recommend this or the rebel 500. 👌💯
@@JackiesMotoGarage that's what it's currently between lol
What do you see your self on in a year .
I'm hoping I'll be a lot more comfortable on the Thruxton. It's hard to tell though! Jon might bring one home that I would have never expected to love!
Jackie are you in arizona
Not a beginner bike.
😎🇦🇺👍
Thanks for the support!
It looks so artificial! The surroundings - like a display home village- or nuke town..just saying.
first?
Thanks for the support!!
I have a 2015 Kawasaki vaquero and I like it but it's SO DAMN HEAVY! I'm seriously thinking of buying the Vulcan S ! 🤔
The Vulcan S is so light!! I absolutely love it!